Ball of Foot Pain

What is Ball of Foot Pain?

Ball of Foot Pain is the term used to describe conditions such as Metatarsalgia and Morton's Neuroma.

Metatarsalgia is a painful foot condition in the 'metatarsal' region of the foot - the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is a especially common with high heel wearers, causing a burning sensation in the ball of the foot often combined with excess callus forming. Sometimes a tingling sensation is felt between the toes (Morton's Neuroma). Ball of foot pain (Metatarsalgia) occurs when the metatarsals (forefoot bones) drop and the surrounding ligaments weaken. The entire forefoot structure collapses, in turn leading to excess pressure and friction under the ball of the foot.

What causes Ball of Foot Pain?

With this common foot condition, one or more of the metatarsal heads become painful and/or inflamed, usually due to excessive pressure over a long period of time. It is common to experience acute, recurrent, or chronic pain with metatarsalgia. Ball of foot pain is often caused by wearing tight fitting, high heeled fashion footwear. Footwear with a narrow toe area squeezes the bones and ligaments in the forefoot.At the same time more weight is concentrated in the forefoot, causing excessive pressure in the ball of foot area.

Treatment and prevention of Ball of Foot Pain

Successful treatment involves reducing the forces placed in the forefoot area. Unloading pressure in the ball of the foot can be accomplished by wearing a simple orthotic footbed with a in-built metatarsal support which prevents the metatarsal bones from dropping, relieving forefoot pressure and friction.

This information is for guidance only. If you are in doubt at all, please consult your nearest health professional.

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